A biblical and practical training for volunteers working with individuals experiencing homelessness. Come ready for a conversation, not a lecture.
“He saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds… and took care of him.”
Luke 10:33–34
About the Training
Serving With Open Eyes is an orientation for church and community volunteers entering homeless ministry. Led by Pastor Lex Perry, it pairs Scripture with practical tools, real-world scenarios, and honest discussion.
This is a safe place to ask honest questions — including uncomfortable ones. Each participant receives a workbook to follow along, and we close together in prayer and commissioning.
You’ll leave ready to
The Reality in Aiken County
200–600
individuals homeless on any given night in Aiken County
300+
homeless children in Aiken County Schools
~30%
of chronically homeless individuals live with a serious mental illness
60–90
days — how quickly one crisis can push a working family into homelessness
Session at a Glance
About 2 hours 20 minutes including discussion — up to 3 hours when the conversation is rich.
Module 01
The biblical call to serve
Starting with the Good Samaritan and Matthew 25, we explore why every person experiencing homelessness bears the image of God — not a project or a problem, but a person.
Module 02
Homelessness in Aiken — causes and reality
An honest look at homelessness in Aiken County and the six most common causes: mental illness, addiction, reentry, fixed incomes, domestic violence, and job loss or medical debt.
Module 03
What it looks like, how to respond
The module volunteers say they needed most. Learn to recognize PTSD, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder — and how to respond calmly instead of reacting.
Module 04
How to talk, listen, and show up
Practical skills for interactions that heal rather than harm: use their name, get on their level, ask before you touch, listen more than you talk, and mean what you say.
Module 05
Helping without enabling
Compassionate people are often the most vulnerable to manipulation. Learn the difference between helping and enabling, and how to say no with grace.
Module 06
Where you fit in C4 Impact’s model
You are not the savior — Jesus is. Discover how volunteers, case management, leadership, and pastoral care work together, and when to call for help.
Upcoming Classes
Each class is limited to 12 people to keep the conversation personal. New dates are added here as they are scheduled.